Turning 18: 10 Important Things You Need To Know

Turning 18 takes you on a new path filled with emotions, dreams and ideas. Here are 10 important things you need to keep in mind as you travel this path.

I’m going to be turning 18 pretty soon and I got to thinking about certain things that I’ve learnt. I noted them down immediately and decided to share them. So here are 10 things, which I believe every 18-year-old -to-be or 18 and up should know.

10. Communication is essential

You’re growing up, going to college, probably moving out and getting busier with your life. And it’s going to be a lot more difficult to catch up with the people you care about. So, make sure that you do talk to them enough. It won’t be possible all the time. But speak up, let it out. It will help you blow off some steam.

9. Know your circle

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”

So you may have had tons of friends up until now, but you may have started realising that you’ve been losing quiet a few. It has started for a lot of us already, hasn’t it? This is good. It’s time to shorten the group. Keep only the ones who you can truly connect with and not just the ones you chill with. Handpick the few and make sure they’re your genuine friends.

8. Do not settle

Don’t be afraid to speak your mind. If you don’t like something and you think something is incorrect or that maybe you can do better, odds are that it’s probably true. Trust your intuition and explore. Don’t ever settle for anything, which you don’t believe in.

7. Love isn’t your only goal

Yes, we are all looking for something good to come along. But hey, you’re 18 and love isn’t really your goal right now. Also, it’s crucial to understand that what you may have with someone right now, may not last. And that’s okay. Don’t make stupid decisions based on your boyfriend or girlfriend. Focus on yourself.

6. Know your options

Just because something isn’t happening right now, it doesn’t mean it will never happen.

Don’t get pressurised into doing something for the sake of others. Your post-18 and early-20s are your selfish years. You are absolutely allowed to choose the options better fitting for your success or growth, no matter what. Focus on your happiness. Doesn’t matter how it effects others.

5. Learn to be alone

Do not be afraid to be alone. Being alone doesn’t mean you’re lonely. It is important that you are okay dining by yourself sometimes or going for a walk on your own. You need to build yourself in a way that you know you’re enough for you and that no matter what, you’re going to be alright by yourself.

4. Things are going to get out of your hands

Real life isn’t perfect. Things are going to blow up and you’re going to break down from time to time. Learn to deal with it. Forgive yourself. You’re only human.

3. Pay attention to money

Do not buy the money-is-the-root-of-all-evil crap. That’s ridiculous. You need money and it’s one of the most important things. Educate yourself, work hard and get that damn degree. Love doesn’t pay bills. You need a strong career, which helps you support yourself and your loved ones,too.

2. Take care of the people you love

It doesn’t matter where or who you are in the world, take care of the people who’ve stuck by your side through thick and thin. These are special people who’ve gone out of their way for you. Appreciate them. Be there for them whenever they need you. Tell them how much you love them. How will you know these few? Observe the ones who genuinely celebrate your success like their very own without ulterior motives and who feel your pain with you. I’ve handpicked my few this way.

1. Believe in yourself

You’re the only person who can make things happen for yourself. You’re your ultimate saviour. Do things with passion and learn to strongly believe in yourself. Be unstoppable, fierce and hardworking. And last, but not the least, love yourself. You are important.

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